Glossary
Dokusan A one-on-one private interview about one’s practice with a teacher or dharma holder
Dharma –reality of life, the teachings of Buddha, living truth, universal law; phenomena
Dharma Holder – a term in the White Plum lineage for a teacher-in-training
Gassho –a hand position of palm to palm with the hands about six inches from your face; a gesture of respect, presence, humility, gratitude. Used with bowing
Jikido –zendo bell timekeeper
Jukai – ceremony of receiving the Bodhisattva Precepts. Jukai is taking refuge in the teachings of the precepts and the three Treasures
Kensho - An awakening experience. The experience varies and is impossible to describe in words. Zen Master Hakuiin said a person can have many small or large awakenings on the path.
Kinhin –walking meditation
Koan - A recorded exchange between master and disciple about an aspect of awakening. Koans are used to bring a student to realization or to help clarify realization of the awakened way
Kyosaku - Wake-up stick or encouragement stick. We do not use these
Mindfulness - Mindfulness are actions of living in the present moment. Paying attention moment to moment and appreciating that all things are interrelated. Mindfulness is very important in Zen practice. When you breathe, we know we are breathing. When we eat, we know we are eating.
Mudra –hand position. During zazen, hands are placed in the “Cosmic Mudra” with the left hand and fingers placed in the upturned right hand, thumbs gently touching to form a circle. When bowing, hands move into Gassho mudra. During kinhin, hands move into Shashu mudra.
Preceptor – teacher authorized to offer the bodhisattva precepts
Precepts - The bodhisattva precepts are considered the moral and ethical teachings of Zen and are essentially about living the teachings through the developing character and non harming, and interconnected living
Roshi –master teacher, venerable teacher
Samadhi –single-pointed concentration using practices of breath, body, or “bare awareness”
Sangha –community of practitioners; spiritual friends
Samu - Selfless service; work that contributes to the maintenance of the temple and/or sangha. Periods of samu practice are often incorporated into practice days and may include cleaning, organizing, cooking, gardening, grounds keeping, etc.
Sensei –teacher
Sesshin –two or more days of especially intensive, extended Zazen practice, usually in a retreat or monastic setting.
Shashu –hand position during kinhin. One hand like a fist with the thumb enclosed, held toward mid-chest and held by the other hand over it, elbows away from the body and parallel to the ground.
Shikantaza - "Just sitting". A form of Zazen sitting that is objectless and relaxed. The body is still and upright and breathing. There are no mental aids such as counting the breath. It is “dropping body and mind.” A state of great mental alertness is cultivated, with no concepts or objects of thought in the mind; open awareness
Teisho –talk on the teachings by a teacher; also called a dharma talk.
Zabuton –large mat on which the zafu or seiza bench rests.
Zafu –sitting cushion, usually round.
Zazen –sitting meditation.
Zazenkai –one-day zazen retreat.
Zendo –meditation hall.